3. Chiropractors undertake detailed examinations  

A thorough assessment is conducted before any treatment.  This is to ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for the patient’s condition.  It also helps determine the best approach to care for the patient if they are a candidate for care.  The assessment includes taking a detailed medical history, completing a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, using diagnostic imaging.  Imaging is commonly x-ray, although Chiropractors can refer for other imaging modalities such as MRI and Ultrasound.  

4. In Australia Chiropractors are Supported by Strong Professional Associations

Professional bodies, such as the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), play a crucial role in promoting best practices, continuing education, and research within the field of chiropractic. These organisations support evidence-based practice and work to improve the quality and safety of chiropractic care.

5. The Safety of Chiropractic Care Has Been Studied at Length

The relationship between chiropractic care, particularly cervical spine (neck) adjustments, and the risk of stroke has been a topic of significant debate.  You still may hear commentary regarding this matter.  

A large population based study by Cassidy et al. in 2008 found NO evidence of excess risk of VBA stroke associated with chiropractic care compared to primary care. The conclusion was that the increased risks of stroke associated with chiropractic care visits is likely due to patients with headache and neck pain (early symptoms of VBA dissection) seeking care before their stroke occurs.  As we know one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care is for neck pain and headaches.  

The conclusion is that while there may be a small risk associated with cervical spine adjustments, the evidence suggests that this risk is very low (somewhere between 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 5.8 million cervical adjustments) and importantly comparable to risks associated with other forms of healthcare for similar conditions. 

While spinal adjustments are generally safe, they are not without risks. Minor side effects, such as temporary discomfort, soreness, or stiffness can occur and typically resolve within a 24-48 hours.  More serious complications are extremely rare.

6. Chiropractors modify their adjusting force 

Chiropractic treatments commonly include spinal manipulations, also known as adjustments, as well as advice on exercise, posture, and lifestyle modifications. These are typically sought for the relief of musculoskeletal pain and to improve mobility and function.

A Chiropractor learns many different ways to adjust the spine and will modify the force of their adjustments to suit the patient they are working with.  

The most recognised adjustment method is the manual adjustment.  This is when the joint is adjusted by hand and often results in the classic 'popping' or 'cracking' sound.  This noise is called a cavitation and it is simply gas being released from the fluid surrounding the joint, similar to popping the cork off a bottle of champagne.    

Lower force adjusting techniques exist that do not require the joint to move or ‘pop’ in this way.  They include the activator adjusting instrument, pelvic blocks and table drop adjustments to name a few.  These lower force techniques allow people of all ages, from children to the elderly or simply people who do not like ‘cracking' to access chiropractic care.   

The adjustment technique can and should be modified to suit the individual patient's presenting condition, physical development and personal preference.  

7. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and doesn't involve drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic care is non-invasive.  This cuts out the risk of side effects related to medications that are commonly used to help manage back pain and headaches as well as adverse effects that can occur from spinal surgeries.   

Interestingly long term anti-inflammatory use (NSAIDs) has been shown to increase the risks of developing gastrointestinal issues (GI), cardiovascular problems and kidney damage.  

It is estimated that approximately 2-4% of patients taking NSAIDs for at least one year develop serious upper GI complications and incidence of upper GI bleeding or perforation was 4.5 times higher in NSAID users compared to non-users.

The FDA has highlighted that the risk of heart attack or stroke can increase as early as the first weeks of NSAID use and may rise with longer use or higher doses.

A study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that the use of NSAIDs was associated with a 1.5-2 times higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population.